The Zenfone has been a go-to option for fans of compact Android flagships, but that won’t be the case in 2024 with the launch of the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra — or at least until ASUS comes out with a much smaller Zenfone this year.

The introduction of the device marks the dramatical shift of the Taiwanese electronics company’s smartphone philosophy, abandoning the compact form factor in favor of a larger, more capable Android flagship.

This isn’t just about an increased screen real estate, though; it’s a clear move to deliver top-tier camera performance, extended battery life, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, all within a thoughtfully designed device.

“The Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers the complete flagship package users expect in 2024. It offers premium materials, exceptional cameras, uncompromising performance, and class-leading battery life,” stated ASUS co-CEO S.Y. Hsu during the launch.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra features an expansive 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED display with remarkably slim bezels, similar to what the ROG Phone 8 series offers. According to ASUS, this results in an impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio for a truly immersive viewing experience.

The company has also made strides in sustainability, something it is particularly keen about. The frame utilizes 100% recycled aluminum, the display incorporates recycled glass, and the packaging sees a significant reduction in plastic usage. Meanwhile, the color options — Skyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, and Desert Sand — offer a classic aesthetic, minus the LED lighting and aggressive styling of ASUS’ ROG Phone models.

Discover Zenfone 11 Ultra's cutting-edge features in our 1-minute quick-tour video!#ASUS #Zenfone11Ultra #ExpandYourVision

— ASUS (@ASUS) March 14, 2024

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra highlights

Under the hood, the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is coupled with a generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration promises effortless multitasking, fluid gaming, and overall uncompromising performance. The phone also comes with a substantial 5,500mAh battery, boasting a 26.5% increase in battery life compared to its predecessor. Additionally, 65-watt fast charging as well as wireless-charging capabilities offer users flexibility and convenience.

Like the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro, which we reviewed earlier, the Zenfone 11 Ultra packs a 50-megapixel main image sensor paired with ASUS’ effective 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilization 3.0. This technology aims to deliver exceptionally stable videos and blur-free photos, even in challenging conditions. The brand complements this with various AI-based software enhancements, including AI Portrait Video for professional-looking depth effects alongside other adjustments.

In the United States, the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra carries a retail price of $899, or roughly P49,925, making it considerably more expensive than the $699 (P38,818) Zenfone 10 from last year. The handset ships from April. But keep in mind that ASUS didn’t launch the Zenfone 10 in the Philippines, so the new model might not hit local retail, too.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra specs

• 6.78-inch FHD+ LTPO AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,500 nits
• peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 5G chipset
• Adreno 750 GPU
• 16GB RAM
• 512GB storage
• Triple 50-megapixel main, 32-megapixel telephoto, and 13-megapixel
• ultrawide cameras
• 32-megapixel RGBW front camera
• Under-display fingerprint reader
• 5,500mAh battery
• 65-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging
• 3.5mm audio port
• Stereo speakers
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• Android 14
• Colors: Skyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, Desert Sand

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